Senior automotive leather industry figure dies
Former chief executive of automotive leather group Eagle Ottawa Jerry Sumpter died at the end of June after a brave battle against cancer. He was 67.
After a spell at accounting firm Arthur Andersen, Mr Sumpter moved into the automotive industry early in his career, working first in flooring materials before becoming chief executive of Eagle Ottawa in 1997.
In 2002, he was elected as chair of industry body Leather Industries of America, now part of the Leather and Hide Council of America. He remained at Eagle Ottawa until 2015, when the leather manufacturer became part of the Lear Group.
After stepping down, he moved to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, but remained connected to the automotive leather sector by serving on the board of Pangea.
A celebration of Jerry Sumpter’s life will take place at Wexford Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, at two pm on July 18.
